Cink, Haas tied for SHO lead heading into final round

By Dale Robertson |
March 30, 2013
| Updated: March 30, 2013 10:59pm

Stewart Cink watches his tee shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Bill Haas eyes his tee shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Stewart Cink talks with caddie Jay Hass, Jr. on the No. 18 fairway during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

A pair of golf fans get into an altercation along the 15th fairway during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points holds the Shell Houston Open trophy after winning the tournament with a 16-under-oar 272 at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Ben Crane reacts after missing a par putt on 18 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points tees off on 18 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points tees off on 18 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points tees off on 18 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points watches his fairway shot on 18 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Ben Crane, left, embraces D.A. Points to congratulate Points for his victory in the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points tees off on No. 17 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points chips onto the 17th green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points acknowledges the fans after sinking a par put to stay in the lead on 17 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points won the tournament by one shot, with a 16-under-par 272, after shooting a 66 during the fourth round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points celebrates his par putt to win the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Points finished the tournament with a 16-under-par 272, for a one-shot win.

D.A. Points reacts after sinking a par putt on 18 to hold the lead at the Shell Houston Open Sunday, March 31,2013, in Humble. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D. A. Points reacts to missing a birdie putt on No. 14 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak chips up onto the No. 12 green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak hits his tee shot on No. 13 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D. A. Points chips up onto the 13th green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points hits his drive on No. 14 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D. A. Points putts on the 14th green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points hits his drive on No. 15 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points hits his fairway shot on No. 15 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble. Play in the tournament was suspended due to weather after Points hit this shot.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Dustin Johnson tees off on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Dustin Johnson, right, takes a drop as Charley Hoffman walks to his ball on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Brian Davis chips up onto the No. 12 green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Brian Davis reacts after missing a putt on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Henrik Stenson hits a fairway shot on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Billy Horschel hits a birdie putt on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Billy Horschel reacts to his birdie putt on No. 12 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak talks to his caddie about his putt on the 12th green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Associated Press

Fans walk off the course past a sign displaying a weather warning message during a delay in the final round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble, Texas. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Brett Coomer)

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Golf fans walk off the course as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weathers at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Tournament volunteers ride off the golf course as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weather at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Tournament volunteers ride off the golf course as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weather at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

A golf fan walks off the course as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weather at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Golf fans leave the Shell Skybox as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weather at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Golf fans walk off the course as play in the final round of the Shell Houston Open is suspended by weathers at the Redstone Tournament Course Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Dustin Johnson lines up his putt on the No. 16 green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/Freelance

Defending champ Hunter Mahan is upset with his tee shot on No. 9 on the way to a 74.

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Dustin Johnson throws his ball to his caddie on the No. 15 green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Dustin Johnson pumps his fist after making eagle on No. 15 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Dustin Johnson acknowledges the gallery after saving par on No. 17 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Henrik Stenson celebrates his birdie on No. 16 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Billy Horschel bites the shaft of his putter after just missing a putt for birdie on No. 17 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Billy Horschel bites the shaft of his putter after just missing a putt for birdie on No. 17 during the final round of the Shell Houston Open, Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft hits his second shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Phil Mickelson tees off on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft jokingly hides his face with his cap after making bogey on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak hits his second shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft pumps his fist after making birdie on No. 4 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak reacts after missing a four-foot putt for birdie during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Kokrak blast from a green-side bunker on No. 9 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Lee Westwood follows through on his tee shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

After hitting a wayward drive right of the fairway, Steve Wheatcroft takes a drop on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak watches his second shot on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak tries to guide his second shot with body english on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak hits his third shot from a green-side bunker on No. 18 during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Phil Mickelson signs autographs after his 5-under par performance during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Phil Mickelson (right) shakes the hand of President George H.W. Bush during the third round of the Shell Houston Open, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft hits out of a green side bunker on No. 8 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft follows his second shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Steve Wheatcroft reacts to his approach shot on No. 6 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

D.A. Points watches his second shot hit out of a fairway bunker on No. 8 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

D.A. Points follows his tee shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

D.A. Points follows his approach shot on No. 6 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Stewart Cink watches his tee shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Rory McIlroy tosses his ball to his caddie on the No. 8 green during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Rory Mcilroy eyes his tee shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Rory Mcilroy hits his tee shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Defending champion Hunter Mahan follows through on his tee shot on No. 8 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

D.A. Points (right) shares a laugh with playing partner Stewart Cink during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Stewart Cink acknowledges the gallery after making birdie on No. 6 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Bud Cauley watches his approach shot on No. 2 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Bud Cauley drops his driver after his tee shot on No. 3 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Bud Cauley follows through on his tee shot on No. 2 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak follows his second shot on No. 8 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak hits out of a green side bunker on No. 8 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Eric Christian Smith/For the Chronicle

Jason Kokrak follows his tee shot on No. 9 during the second round of the Shell Houston Open, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Redstone Tournament Course in Humble. (Photo: Eric Christian Smith/For the Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points watches his tee shot on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Bud Cauley reacts after holing out from the bunker on No. 16 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Staff

Lonnie, left, and Polly Cooper get into the spirit of the occasion next to the 18th green on Thursday at Redstone Golf Club.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Cameron Tringale putts onto the 18th green during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 7-under-par 65 in the opening round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Phil Mickelson hits his tee shot on No. 18 during the first round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points blasts out of the sand on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points blasts out of the sand from the fairway bunker on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points blasts out of the sand on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points blasts out of the sand on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

D.A. Points gets ready to tee of on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Cameron Tringale hits his tee shot on No. 17 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Points shot an 7-under-par 65 in the opening round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak chips onto the 17th green during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Kokrak shot a 6-under-par 66 for the round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak hits a fairway shot on No. 15 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Kokrak shot a 6-under-par 66 for the round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak putts on No. 16 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble. Kokrak shot a 6-under-par 66 for the round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Hunter Mahan, left, watches his tee shot on No. 18 as Geoff Ogilvy walks onto the tee box during the first round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jason Kokrak watches his tee shot on No. 16 during the first round.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Phil Mickelson putts on No. 1.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Phil Mickelson tips his cap as he walks onto the tee box on No. 18 during the first round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Tournament Course Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Brendon de Jonge, yellow, and Matt Jones, in white shirt, are reflected in the water as they walk up the 18th fairway.

Jay Haas won the PGA Tour stop here in 1987, when the tournament was called the "Big I" Houston Open and was played in The Woodlands. Bill can't say for certain, but he's reasonably sure he wasn't on hand for what became the sixth of Jay's nine titles on the PGA Tour because, he said, "They didn't have day care back then like they do now."

Bill would have been 4 going on 5 at the time. Now 30 going on 31, Haas will be trying to duplicate dad's feat Easter Sunday, heading out with a share of the lead in the Shell Houston Open.

Haas and Stewart Cink, who played together Saturday, are at 11-under 205 through 54 holes at Redstone Golf Club's Tournament Course, which will be swarming with title contenders hunting for the proverbial golden egg, worth more than a million bucks to the champion.

It's almost easier to list the guys who can't win than those who might.

Four players are just a swing back at 10 under, and nine others are one more to the rear. Phil Mickelson, the 2011 champion, shot a 67 Saturday to get to 6-under 210, and he's only tied for 21st, a good bit further off the pace than he'd probably counted on being when he spoke about how excited he was with how he'd been playing, particularly on the back nine.

"I hit a lot of good shots. I've got a low round in me (Sunday)," Mickelson said. "I think I'll be able to make some kind of move."

That was shortly after noon. But conditions stayed benign, leaving Redstone largely defenseless.

Among the front-runners, only 36-hole leader Steve Wheatcroft failed to beat par, and he would have, too, if he hadn't badly shanked a bunker shot at No. 18 before saving a bogey to polish off an even-par 72.

At 10 under, Wheatcroft is level with the first-round leader, D.A. Points, who managed a hot-cold 71; Jason Kokrak, also in with a 71; and Ben Crane, who had a bogey-free 67.

"Warming up this morning, the wind was howling," Crane said. "I thought it was going to be a really windy day, that we'd be fighting a lot of shots. The guys that teed off at 9 or so had the worst of it. It was humming for a few hours. But all of a sudden on our second nine the wind just laid down and the conditions were ideal for scoring. It was perfect out there."

Nine-way tie for third

Louis Oosthuizen and Bud Cauley seemed unfazed by the breezy conditions early. The South African Oosthuizen gave himself an opportunity for redemption — he couldn't close the deal a year ago after leading through 54 holes — with a 65, sharing low-score honors for the day with the 23-year-old Cauley. They're both at 207, along with seven others. Alphabetically, that would be Keegan Bradley, Angel Cabrera, Kevin Chappell, Billy Horschel, Henrik Stinson, Cameron Tringale and Lee Westwood.

With four top-10 finishes in nine tournaments and a world top-10 ranking following his third-place tie in the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, Bradley may be the man to watch most closely. He bogeyed No. 18 but otherwise delivered a nearly flawless six-birdie round. If his putter stays hot — it wasn't Thursday or Friday — he'll make everyone around him nervous.

"This course sets up for a lot of really fun stuff," Bradley said. "Lots of birdies coming down the end, lots of par 5s you can make 3s on. It should be an exciting day."

Haas admitted all the low scores inspired him to keep pace. Also, being with Cink, he knew he'd better get himself together after spraying the ball around at the outset.

"Through six holes, I don't think he missed a shot and I hit one in the water, then made about a 20-footer for birdie," Haas said. "We were shooting the same (score). I said, 'Well, if I'm going to keep up with this guy, I better start hitting it better.'

"Seeing him play well and start making some birdies, it definitely makes you want to make birdies, too. There were a lot of low numbers out there this morning. I think that kind of gets in your head ... maybe gets you into an aggressive mindset."

Little sleep, lots of fun

Haas said he'd be speaking with his father Saturday night because they talk almost every day when one or the other is in a tournament. (At 59, dad still plays on the Champions Tour.)

The situation Haas finds himself in isn't unprecedented. He won what used to be called the Bob Hope Desert Classic in 2010, matching his father's own title in Palm Springs years earlier. It's one of Bill's four PGA Tour wins over the past three seasons, the 2011 Tour Championship among them.

"Being up there near the lead, maybe you don't sleep much tonight because you're thinking about it," he said of sharing the SHO lead. "You're excited and anxious and want to do well. There's nothing better. It's the reason we play. More often than not, it doesn't work out in your favor, but that's OK.

"Just being out there (in contention) is fun. You got to grind it out. Anything can happen."